Mentoring

Whether we are in engineering, science, management, HR, or speech communication training, one of the magic moments in our careers comes when we have the chance to mentor others

Last year we met a well known jazz guitar player named Bruce Forman. Bruce is involved with a visionary music program that takes working jazz musicians into the schools to teach and play along with talented young musicians. We asked Bruce to contribute his thoughts about mentoring based on this innovative program.

A Musician's Legacy
By Bruce Forman

Miguel had a hardened face and circles under his eyes, all at the tender age of twelve. Despite his tough bravado I couldn't help but be drawn to a genuine sparkle that shone through his rough demeanor. There was always something about him that made my visit to his school special. Miguel's inner-fire manifested itself as mischief, acting out, an inability to concentrate, disruptive energy that always seemed to catch every teachers' attention. With each passing visit, I noticed his torch diminishing to a flickering ember.

That day, Miguel's face was buried in his music stand as usual. He had a natural flair for the music and had mastered what I had taught him previously. His little fingers navigated the fretboard with accuracy and he played with amazing focus. Yet, in his playing I could feel-and heard-that same isolation that accompanied everything in his life. As the band got ready for the next tune, I asked if I could play his part for him. He surrendered his guitar with a good amount of trepidation. That guitar was probably the one thing in his life that was his and that he had control over. I began to play his part with fun and wide-eyed exploration, interpreting it as my mood called for.

The music teacher stopped the band and scolded me. Of course he thought it was Miguel who was playing. It was one of the moments I will remember forever. It was as if Miguel saw through everything. He saw the teacher's hypersensitivity to him, so much so that the mere sound of the guitar was enough to stop a rehearsal. Miguel related to my embarrassment, the unfairness of life-after all, I was the only one playing with feeling and having fun. His face began to shine as it evolved back into a child's face, one with wonderment, enthusiasm, hope. The idea that grownups could actually enjoy what they do and risk scorn, embrace vulnerability, and to chance everything in the creative moment resonated through him like the chord that had gotten me in trouble.

Miguel continued to study hard and played in all-star bands as he found his own voice in the music. The lessons and results of his hard work and discipline paid off in his other subjects as well. He became an honor student and graduated at the top of his class, receiving a college scholarship along the way. His parents were teary-eyed at the graduation ceremony they insisted I attend. I reveled in their esteem.

Music has the power to soothe, heal and inspire. It also teaches hand/eye coordination, develops memory, and the sociological aspects of working in a group are skills that serve throughout one's adult life. Yet, it is sorely missing from today's educational picture. I also understand that music isn't for every student and the demands on teachers are great. That is why I have undertaken the development of JazzMasters Workshop. It is a mentoring program that gives interested and needy students the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest talents and resources in jazz. A musician's legacy is the creative voice. It comes down to acknowledging the gifts bestowed upon us by others, accepting our responsibility to share and nurture, and, in the end-as Miguel so brilliantly taught me-find the human satisfaction in enlightening others.

Miguel had a bigger effect on me than I had on him. He helped me realize my dream and discover an important aspect of what I am here for. JazzMasters Workshop has the singular ability to connect our past, present, and future generations through the mentoring process, ensuring that the richness of our experience is passed on to future generations.